Still Undefeated

NEWPORT NEWS — Ryan McDougal keeps Denbigh unbeaten with a big day at the plate against Menchville.

Although they are two of the Peninsula District's best pitchers, Denbigh's Anthony Watkins and Menchville's Andy Preston had a long day on Friday.

The Patriots and Monarchs combined for three home runs in the first two innings of what turned into a shootout at Denbigh High. But the host Patriots had more firepower in the end, and Ryan McDougal had a perfect day at the plate to lead a 10-5 victory.

McDougal was 4-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBI as Denbigh remained undefeated at 15-0, 13-0 in the district.

"Everybody was seeing the ball well, and we knew what we had to do," McDougal said. "It's always a big game when we play Menchville, so we were all pumped and ready to go."

McDougal pumped a home run in the bottom of the second inning to tie the score 1-1. Watkins started a scoring avalanche with his three- run homer in the second as Denbigh scored four runs in the inning. Watkins batted 1-for-3 with two runs and Travis Mulkey was 1-for-3 with a run.

"I just jumped on the first pitch because I knew he was coming with a fastball," Watkins said.

Watkins fanned nine batters and spread six hits over seven innings to improve his record to 7-0.

After giving up Chris Baker's three-run home run in the third inning, Watkins allowed just one more hit.

"Coach called the curveball more often, and I was able to get it across," Watkins said. "They seemed to swing right over it, so it worked out real well."

Friday's game was quite a contrast from an earlier contest between the teams. Watkins and Preston also were the starting pitchers in that game, which the Patriots won 3-0 at Menchville on a Mulkey home run.

Despite Friday's loss, Menchville coach Phil Forbes was optimistic. The Monarchs are 10-3 in the district and in second place heading into Tuesday's home game with Phoebus.

"It's one game at a time," Forbes said. "There were two good offensive and defensive teams out here today. The team that gets the most breaks wins, and that's what happened tonight. Both teams played a good game, and I'll still take my team over anybody."

Preston had three strikeouts before being relieved by Robbie Watkins, Anthony's cousin, in the sixth inning.

For Menchville, Greg Maliniak batted 2-for-3 with two runs, a double and a RBI. Baker was 1-for-2 and Zach Overman was 1-for-3 with two stolen bases.

"We hit the baseball today," Denbigh coach Rusty Ingram said. "Our pitcher didn't loosen up until late, but he threw the heck out of the ball the last two innings.

"Menchville can swing the bat a little bit, but I think we did a lot of good things. We did it right today."